It’s no secret that K-Beauty (or Korean beauty) has taken the skincare world by storm. Often presented in cutesy packaging and bright, eye-catching colors, the wide range of products from sheet masks to serums have started to emerge on the shelves of American department stores, Sephora, and even the drugstore around the corner. But the products go beyond the attractive packaging with innovative and effective formulas suited for all skin types- and they are constantly evolving due to the demand of its consumers. What may be a trend this year may completely change the next – so what is trending now in K-Beauty?

I present to you, the “Glass Skin” trend. Characterized by clear, luminous and seemingly transparent skin. Aside from hitting the genetic lottery – how else can this look be achieved?

  1. Double cleansing the skin. It’s time to take cleansing your skin beyond the makeup remover wipes. My favorite method uses Purity Solution by Cosmedix – an oil cleanser that breaks up and dissolves even the heaviest of makeup applications. Follow up with a gentle cleanser of your choosing. The second cleanse ensures that the skin beneath your makeup is squeaky clean and ready for the rest of your routine.
  2. Exfoliate. Whether it’s done chemically with alpha-hydroxy acids or physically with a scrub, exfoliation is key to lifting away dead skin cells that dull the complexion. Facial services including Dermaplane and Microdermabrasion are also key to a flawless complexion. Dermaplane is a personal favorite – as the treatment clears away dead skin build-up and peach fuzz. Not only does my skin feel amazing afterwards, but makeup application is a dream.
  3. SPF. This should go without saying. Protect your skin from free radical damage by applying an SPF each and every morning. I highly recommend anything from Elta MD that uses broad spectrum protection to combat UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Their range covers everything from bodies to acne prone skin. We’ve all seen what can happen to skin over time when it’s not cared for, and it’s certainly not glassy.
  4. Layering serums. For any current client of La Chelé – this is nothing new. Whether you’re layering Vitamin C + E with the Line Free Serum, or just using TNS Essential Serum (imagine all of your antioxidants/growth factors in a single pump) – you’re customizing a routine that works best for your skincare concerns. My advice? Start slow when building a layering regimen and add products gradually- that way you know what’s working, and what isn’t.
  5. Sheet masks! What was once the foundation of a Korean beauty routine has also become a staple in the U.S. They provide high concentrations of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, aloe, even charcoal to target specific skin needs. But the secret is in the sheet- apply to the skin and it locks in the ingredients for better skin absorption. And they’re not only cute for spa-day, self-care selfies, but ideal for travel. I fully intend popping on a sheet mask during my 11 hour flight to Hawaii so I land looking refreshed, hydrated and definitely not jet-lagged.

-Alex, La Chelé Medical Aesthetician